Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Beyne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When I picked my company name I wanted to incorporate my maiden name. I wanted the logo to be simple yet have a cute nod to my maiden last name ending in Bee.

I used the stitch lines to tie in the bumble bee and bring the whole logo together.

Finishing it off with “thoughtfully Recycled in Michigan” all of my creations are one of a kind so adding “one of one” just felt right.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have an extensive background in hospitality. I spent many years of my life working in large city, such as Las Vegas, Nashville, Dallas, and Chicago. I loved to create memories for my guests. Whether it’s hosting them at night clubs, or making sure they have an amazing fine dining experience. I learned a lot about each city and its people.

While working in hospitality, I was able to spend time volunteering. I have always been very Engaged in disasters And the damage it causes to so many families. In 2017 I spent time in Houston after hurricane Harvey. I volunteered with the company called All hands And Hearts. That volunteer trip changed my life.

In 2019 I quit My job and decided I’d volunteer full-time. I spent the next year in Oaxaca Mexico rebuilding schools after a terrible earthquake. I was then offered a roll as a staff member. I was Given the opportunity to help build a school in Mozambique. During this time is when Covid hit.

Not knowing what was going to happen, we wrapped up program and everyone headed back home, Which for me meant northern Michigan.

I reconnected with my now husband. We hadn’t seen each other since high school. We got married in October 20 22 and welcome to our baby in June of 2023.

We always set goals for the winter, Usually an indoor activity. Me being a new mom, I was trying to figure out how to navigate staying at home and learning a new skill set.

That’s when sewing entered my life. For the most part I self taught. I started with Burp Rags and pillowcases, Stuff that was easy. I connected with a few people on Instagram that were using recycled materials to turn into Coats. I fell in love immediately.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I think social media is the toughest part for me In building my buisness. I don’t really like to take millions of photos and videos while I’m in the middle of a passion project. It’s hard for me to stop when I’m doing and think oh I need it. Tell the world what I’m doing.

The key to growing your following is being persistent. Make sure you always post once a day whether it’s a story, reel or post.

There’s lots of free classes on YouTube about growing your presence on social media. I was able to take one of those and learned a lot from that.

I have found out that people wearing my coats Is truly the best form of advertisement. I couldn’t even tell you how many orders I’ve received from giving my business card out while wearing a coat I’ve made.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

When I began sewing, it was just to make myself and friends items. I would wear one of my coats out and I would get stopped multiple times on the street asking where it was from. My husband convinced me that I needed to start selling them, get my name out there and let other people enjoy the beautiful designs. So I did, the more I wore the Coats the more I was stopped. When friends and family members were the Coats they were stopped. I’m now lucky enough to be able to do several custom orders a week for people because they saw my coats on other people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Ellibee_sews